Proud Graduates Parade Through Stamford Town After Completing Degree Courses

Proud Graduates Parade Through Stamford Town After Completing Degree Courses

Proud parents, bystanders and streams of well-wishers admired the procession as proud graduates paraded through the town centre after successfully graduating from their degree level courses at University Centre Stamford. The annual ceremony was once again was held at Stamford Methodist Church on Barn Hill, celebrating another year of outstanding achievements from HND and Foundation Degree courses in Animal Management, Computing, Graphic Design, Photography, Performing Arts, Teaching and many more, all coming together for an unforgettable occasion. Once gowned in their robes and mortarboards, graduates made the renowned journey to Stamford Methodist Church from the Town Hall.

This year the centre welcomed key note speaker, Chris Lubbe (former bodyguard of World Leader Nelson Mandela) who inspired graduates and their parents with a speech about growing up in the ghetto of South Africa where he experienced extreme racism throughout his life. Chris met Nelson Mandela by chance, who initially was drawn to his 6ft 3 stance and size 14 feet! He worked as his bodyguard for 8 years. In his speech he emphasized how important education is, how lucky the students are to have the opportunity to learn and how with determination and courage they can succeed to inspire positive change. Throughout the celebration, guests and students were honored by performances from talented students The Eastern School of Performing Arts who were also celebrating their first graduation as HND partners with University Centre Stamford. Principal at New College Stamford, Janet Meenaghan said:

‘We were once again delighted to hold our University Centre Stamford graduation ceremony in the town and we extend our thanks to the Mayor, all at the Town Hall and at Stamford Methodist Church for helping us to host such a successful event.

It’s always a pleasure to see our students receive their higher education diplomas and degrees and the graduation ceremony recognises their hard work and achievements, as well as offering us the chance to thank parents and friends, and the teaching staff, for their contributions.

Higher education is increasingly expensive and colleges offer a local and more cost-effective solution, with a range of courses and growing student numbers. At University Centre Stamford we pride ourselves on our personal and supportive approach and the high quality of our higher education courses. I’d like to congratulate all of our higher education students on their superb achievements.’

Amelia and Gemma have seen their careers in education take off since completing their Foundation Degrees at University Centre Stamford. Amelia-Rose Hughes (AGE), previously joined New College Stamford to student Health and Social Care and returned to the centre to study the Foundation Degree in Applied Studies (Early Childhood). Since completing her course in May, Amelia has been offered a role as a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Manager. Classmate, Gemma Scullion was also previously a Childcare student at New College Stamford before gaining employment at a local private primary school. During studying her Foundation Degree in Applied Studies (Early Childhood) Gemma was been offered a managerial position at the school with responsibility for a chain of nurseries. Thanks to her Foundation Degree, Gemma has just been offered a non-qualified teacher’s post at a primary school whilst she completes her BA (Hons) top up year and QTS teaching qualification.

Sharni Halford (24) who studied the HND in Animal Management has been working in Scotland in Animal Rehabilitation since completing her course. She has been treating orphaned wildlife to realise them back in to the wild and now plans to go into the winter season working with seals. Sharni said “My course and experiences have sparked my love for Vetinary Medicine. I want to get as much experience as possible and then use my HND to top up to a full BSc Hons Vetinary Nursing Degree at University. That’s my dream!”

If you are interested in studying a course at University Centre Stamford visit their Open Evening on Tuesday 12th October from 5pm – 8pm. For more information on University Level courses click here or call 01780 484311.